For over two decades, young people have been turning out to vote in declining numbers. In the 2000 elections, only 36.1% of 18-24 year olds voted in the presidential elections. In this past fall’s election, young people reversed that trend by turning out to vote in record numbers, thanks in part to the hard work of student led projects like the Voice Your Vote Commission at UM and the state PIRGs New Voters Project. Unfortunately, here in Michigan, cumbersome voting laws make it difficult for young people, particularly students who have moved within Michigan to go to school, to register to vote. Laws that require your Drivers License address to match your voter registration address and that make it difficult for first time voters to vote absentee severely discourage young people from voting.
The health of a Democracy is measured by the participation of its citizens. Young people should be encouraged, not discouraged, from participating in the civic process. People who vote at a young age are more likely to continue voting throughout life and to take an active role in community and civic organizations. Laws that make it more difficult register to vote and to vote should be removed.
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